It was great to say goodbye to 2021 and mark 2022’s beginnings with a couple of great events in Whangamata and Waihi respectively. Hosted by Noddy Watts of Beach Hop fame and his supportive partner Andrea Ross. car and bike enthusiasts were treated to the World’s First Car and Bike Show on New Years Day at the Whangamata Club.
Over 100 vehicles travelled from all over to attend and as we were all in the orange light Covid setting, all mandates and protocols were followed and everyone had a great time. There were classics, hot rods, street machines and muscle cars, and you could also enjoy the facilities food and refreshments of the Whangamata Club itself.
Whangamata itself offers so much for the visiting day tripper with beautiful beaches and some great shops and hospitality all within walking distance. For many people, it was just great to be out and about enjoying new freedoms. We day tripped it down with Ian Taylor’s “Mega Deuce” 1932 Ford Tudor which I look after at GMS Hot Rods. The car was built back in 1995 in the USA by Roy Brizio Street Rods and this show was the first official NZ showing of it since it had arrive into New Zealand last year. Deservedly it won the Best Car overall at the show which was fantastic Ian.
Next up on the Noddy and Andrea show was the annual Jalopy Dust Up at Waihi Beach Dirt track on January 3rd. This is the only dirt track I know of with the most picturesque sea views, a great day was had but boy was it HOT and DUSTY! Once again we raced the Model T roadster which Dad and I had built for last years event in 10 days! This year had an excellent turn out of hot rods racing and in particular, Model A powered vehicles. The Jalopy Dust Up is all about trad hot rods and vintage race cars racing on the dirt like the old days. The Auckland Vintage Speedway Club were also present with a great selection of vintage midgets and sprint cars as well as the lads from the Vintage Stock Car Club. No prizes - just fun times and there were also hot rods and special interest cars parked to one side. A record crowd of people showed all want to enjoy the new found freedoms too.
These two events were a great way to kick off the 2022 summer season and hopefully we can keep doing more of it!